Affordable products, such as solar-powered lamps and mobile phone chargers, are often called innovations for low-income markets. But service models – such as outsourcing companies in rural areas generating local employment – can also be high-impact innovations.

The common factor whether it is a product, service, process or technology is that innovations can create value for people on low incomes and improve their lives.

Many enterprises in India show such innovations. Among them are lifestyle enterprise Mother Earth, rural hospital provider Vaatsalya and solar energy company Barefoot Power. But such enterprises must become more common to have a greater impact on society.

In India, the growth of start-ups with strong social impact – especially those for low-income markets – is often challenging.

Entrepreneurs lack global business exposure, especially in marketing and finance. This makes it difficult for an enterprise to expand and grow beyond its local and regional influence.

Mentoring such enterprises could help. "A mentor could convey industry knowledge, enable the enterprise leverage... and deepen business impact and profits," says Rohit Luthra, director at Progression Infonet Pvt Ltd and a mentor at Ennovent.

But mentoring culture is weak in India. Vijay Pratap Singh, founder and managing director of Ekgaon [One village] says: "This is a result of the majority of incubators either being focused on technology based innovations or being based in key metros only."

Where relevant incubation for low-income market businesses does exist, there aren't adequate strategic partnerships, rendering such businesses a 'risky investment' for investors.

Karan Gupta, India investments manager at Insitor Fund says: "Yes, these incubators provide mentorship and in some cases access to funding. However, they need to focus on building strategic partnerships for entrepreneurs; without these partnerships the investors have to undertake higher risk which ultimately limits the number of ideas that can be successfully taken to markets."

To overcome such challenges, the country needs more organisations like Ennovent to accelerate innovations. They provide a structured yet flexible mentoring approach as well as connections to a global community of investors, which helps generate investor-ready ventures.

In India – especially in low-income markets – there is also a significant distinction between urban and rural ground realities. Move 30 miles away from a metro and the reality of this other India hits home. Here everyday urban accommodations – such as 24-hour access to electricity, safe drinking water or affordable healthcare – is a luxury.

Thus when evaluating how an enterprise can prosper in low-income markets, entrepreneurs and investors must consider how local realities can impact consumption, production, distribution and operations. Moreover, how those realities may change swiftly between rural communities should also be considered.

There is a great potential for social enterprises in India. But social entrepreneurs and start-ups need support at multiple levels, both from the government and from organisations such as Ennovent, to turn innovative ideas into products or services that can benefit the masses.